Readers' letters | Dogs on the bridge; youth sports; more Ashley Judd

Mar. 7, 2013

Dogs and the bridge

Our family just returned from a visit to San Francisco. We loved the city and the friendly people. We loved all the wonderful restaurants and walking all over the city. We were surprised at how many people had their dogs with them, and the total absence of dog remains on the sidewalk or street. People in San Francisco must care about their city, and have pride in how it looks, and take responsibility for that upkeep.

So, I was very dismayed to read that dogs will be banned from the brand new walking bridge in our “possibility” city. Why? Because people in Louisville won’t do the simple things people in San Francisco just do as habit. Clean up after your dog, and if you bring something to eat outside, put the trash where it belongs, not in the street or on the bridge. It is possible to care about the city you live in, and keep it clean for the person behind you.

ROXY LENTZ

Clarksville, Ind. 47129

Youth sports

As the mother of four children, I have put my time in at just about every athletic venue. Early on, we suffered through the “everybody is a winner” phase of youth sports. We have now ventured into the more competitive arenas where parents and coaches gloat on Facebook that their kids’ team won by 30 points. Is there no middle ground? What has happened to recreational youth sports (and the adults involved) that makes it such a cut-throat place to be?

I was at a basketball game for 11- and 12-year-old boys recently and I overheard a mother from the other team say she “wanted to kill this team.” That would be my son’s team. I was amazed at her choice of words and desire to beat our team. I am a fairly competitive person, but my children’s sporting events are not the appropriate place to express my fierce desire to win. I would like to recommend a competitive hobby for all of these “out-of-control” parents so they can release their energy in a way that is a bit less maniacal.

Let’s allow our kids to compete against each other without the heckling from the bleachers. And, coaches, it is not your job to crush the spirit of the opposing team. Just coach your team on to victory and teach them to love whatever sport they are playing. Remember, it’s just a game and they are just kids.

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CLAUDINE GEOGHEGAN

Louisville 40243

Senate 2014

Recent Forum writers seem overly concerned with the potential political impact of Ashley Judd’s partial nudity in one or two films; and she hasn’t even announced her candidacy yet. Mitch McConnell, on the other hand, shows his hind-quarters every time he opens his mouth; and nobody bats an eye. Oh, and by the way, he’s not from Kentucky either. Neither is Rand Paul.

B. FANNING CAMPBELL

Brandenburg, Ky. 40108

Judd, au naturel

As Joe Gerth recently reported, there is concern in various quarters of our commonwealth about Ashley Judd’s au naturel appearances in some of her movies. This sounds like a serious public relations problem at first blush. Maybe not. Some would say former Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts broke the skin of that barrier in 2009.

On second thought, maybe Judd’s self-revelations would be a political advantage if she decides to run for the U.S. Senate next year. Consider that hardly anyone believes the current Congress is on the level with us. So, we might be faced with a choice between a candidate who apparently has no secrets and a candidate who is not truthful.

TOM LOUDERBACK

Louisville 40205

Judd 101

Would you please educate people about Ashley Judd? She was born in California, but her mother brought her back to Kentucky as a child. Mitch McConnell is from Alabama.

She graduated from UK and went on to get a degree from Harvard's School of Government. She has been an international activist for women. She has been a positive force in the world.

What has Mitch McConnell done but become a millionaire at the expense of Kentucky residents?